Spring-wheel construction.



J. E. STRIETELMEIER.

SPRING WHEEL CONSTRUCTION.

APPLICAHON FILED NOV-29.1912.

1,179,975. Patented Apr. 18,1916.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

moewtoz J. E. STRIETELMEIER.

SPRING WHEEL CONSTRUCTION.

APPLICATION FILED NOV-29, I9l2.

1,179,975. Patented Apr. 18,1916.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2- amen/to;

wumww UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN E. STRIETELMEIER, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE IDEAL WHEEL COMPANY, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

SPRING-WHEEL CONSTRUCTION.

Application filed November 29, 1912.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I. Join E. STRIETEL- MEIER, a citizen of the I'nited States, residing at Cincinnati. in the county of Hamilton and State of Ohio. have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Spring-Wheel Construction. of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in,

the construction of wheels and it deals more especially with the type of wheels having resilient spokes.

One object within the contemplation of this invention is to render available an improved formation of the springs constituting spoke elements. whereby the liability of breakage at the point of attachment to the rim will be reduced and the parts con stituting the attaching means decreased in number.

Another object is to create a superior means for fastening the spring elements to the rim. as well as to the hub. respectively. whereby they may be detached very readily while yet normally very securely mounted.

This invention also proposes a fastening arrangement composed of but few parts and operated in a simple yet positive lnanner by a nut so disposed as to be very accessible to the operator. so as to promote the speed with which the attachment may be manipulated in assembling and demounting the parts.

Another object is to devise a means for mounting the spring elements in a wheel of this type, so that the points of connection at the rim and hub respectively will be mud and dust proof. and so that each individual fastening will inter-tit and cooperate with its companions in such a manner as to form a solid and compact built-up hub.

Anotherobject is to devise a wheel construction that will be co'mposed throughoutof relatively few elements. each simple in design so formed as to'be capable of being inexpensively manufactured and each so re lated to the others that they may be readily assembled to form a durable and well organized wheel.

Other objects will be in part indicated in the following specification and in part rendered obvious from the accompanying drawings.

This invention, accordingly, consists in Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 18, 1916.

Serial No. 734,123.

been annexed and will be described in detail.-

and in such drawings like characters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout all the views. of which Figure 1 is an elevation of a resilient wheel embodying the herein disclosed invention. showing in part the external assembly of the elements: also showing a complete spring spoke with its retaining lugs and nuts removed: and alsoshowing a fragmentary section in a radial medial plane of the wheel. Fig. 2 is an axial section taken along line 22 of Fig. 1. showing further details in the construction whereby the spoke springs are properly secured to the hub and rim respectively. Fig. 3 is a perspective of a form of rim lug. such as may form an element of my fastening device, and which will ordinarily be nonremovablc from the rim in the normal manipulation of the device. Fig.

shows in perspective a simple clampdilock. such as my invention contemplates for clamping the Hat faces of the end flanges 0f the spoke springs flatwise against the rim. Fig. 5 is a perspective of a removable wedge lug that cooperates with the aforesaid parts and which is drawn into binding relation with the clamp block by means of a bolt having its head accessible from the side of the rim. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective showing a preferred construction of a hub element. whereby an overhanging wedge flange is readily provided for engaging the wedge block. Fig. 7 is a perspectiveof a clamp block. such as 1 prefer for use at the hub for binding the flat sides and end flanges of each pair of spoke springs in place. Fig. 8 is a perspective of a wedge block. which is preferably used at the hub for engaging the free end of the clamp block.

Continuing now by way of a more detailed disclosure of the parts of construction and essential characteristics of this invention, it

is to be observed that while the following description will in many specific respects relate solely to. the annexed drawings. it is to be understood that the same is employed in an explanatory sense, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention to every specific feature enumerated.

The herein claims are in part based on structural improvements growing out of and requiring conjoint use with the fundamental invention disclosed and broadly claimed in my copending application. Serial No. 720.- 527, filed September 16. 1912. and in part are also based on features capable of use independently of said invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2. numeral 1 indicates a wheel hub. which is here shown keyed to the tapered end of a driving axle 2. which is in turn mounted in suitable bearings in a conventional housing 3: said hub being retained by a suitable nut 1. 'It will. of course, be understood that this hub may be related to the axle in the well known manner characteristic of the so-called full floating axle of an automobile. A cap 5 may also be employed for the purpose of covering the nut 4. The wheel shown in the drawing is in this instance used as the driving wheel of an automobile. but. of course, it will be perceived that the features of construction hereinafter describe(,l-will be applicable for drivenwheels, such as a steering wheel in front of the automobile.

On the hub 1 may be arranged a brake drum 6 secured thereto in any suitable man ner, as by having a tight driving fit thereon and further retained by means of a suitable annular flange 7.

Integral with the hub 1, or otherwise firmly secured thereto, is a part 8 shown in fragmentary section by Fig. 6, and having a suitably contoured periphery 9 against which are seated the laterally bent sections or end-flanges of the flat springs forming elements of the spokes of the Wheel. This Wheel member 8 may also provide means for engaging the inner ends of certain spring clamping blocks andto that end is preferably constructed somewhat as follows :A peripheral flange 10 in the form of an annulus rises preferably integrally from the inner end of the member 8 and has an annular groove cut away from theside immediately adjacent the periphery 9, so as to form an overhanging rim having the inclined under surface indicated by 11 in Fig. 6. At intervals, spaces 12 may be provided so as to divide the overhanging rir'n into a series of Wedge-like hooks or lips 13, 14, etc. The annular flange 1-0 ispreferably provided with apertures 15, 16, etc., each of which is located symmetrically with respect to the lip with which it is associated, so as to provide for a bolt running parallel with the axis of the wheel and 7 adapted at its other end to receive a nut for retaining a suitable wedge block. It may be observed that such boltapertures are sufficiently elevated above the peripheral surface 9 to enable the flat spring flanges to pass between the bolts and such surfaces. Separate clamping blocks as shown by Fig. 7. are intended to coiiperate at their inner ends with each one of the said lips 13. H. etc. This block indicated by 17 is provided with an underface 18 that is curved or otherwise contoured to conform with the upper surface of the flange or laterally-bent portion of the flat spring which it clamps to the periphery 9 of the member The Si e of this block. indicated by 19 and 20. are not parallel. but converge toward a line of intersection that will coincide with the axis of the wheel when such blocks are assembled in place. The inner and outer ends of such blocks are preferably tapered or' channeled at an incline. as shown by Fig. T, so as to receive and snugly intcrfit with the wedgelike lip 13 of the hub member 8. Thus the face 21 is inclined at an angle corresponding with the under face 11 of the lip 13. and the side walls 22 and 23 of the clamping block are cut in true parallelism with one another. (as are the side walls 21 of the lips 13. etc.l. thus permitting of independent radial movements for each of the blocks 17. without cramping or binding on the lips13, etc.

For securing the outer ends of the clamp blocks 17. this invention preferably utilizes a series of detachable blocks 25. each of which is constructed as shown in perspective by Fig. 8, and all of which when assembled interfit. as indicated by Fig. 1. The side edges 26 of the sector-like face portions of such blocks are preferably outlined by radius lines from the axis of the wheel.- so as closely to fit together, and it is noteworthy that this design will freely permit of movcnients of each wedge block in a direction parallel with the axis of the wheel without binding. The lower inneiyedge of each wedge block is provided with a flange or beading 27 that interfits with a corresponding. groove 28 in the member 8. This block 25 preferably provides an overhanging lip '29, analogous to the lip 13 on the other member 8. and the side edges 30 are likewise disposed in parallelism with one another so as properly to take between the side walls 31 of the clamping block, shown by'Fig. 7. It is noted that the lip 29 is of less width than the sectorlike' face of the wedge-block. The reason for this is to provide space (within the conspokes of. this wheel are-shaped and related to one another very much after the manner outlined in my said copending application. Cach spoke as an entity is of a petal-shape and is composed of two springs 32. 33. respectively. the hub ends of which are provided with inturned flanges 34. 35. that extend toward on another and may terminate adjacent the radial center line of the petallike spoke. as shown more clearly by Fig. 1. After the spring elements are assembled in this manner. the clamping blocks 17 are inserted and then the retaining wedge blocks '25 are brought into place and drawn up by means of nuts 36 on the end of bolts 37 that extend through the apertures 15. 16. etc.. of the annular flange of the member 8. thence through the channel 38 of each clamping block and finally through the aperture 39 of the retaining lug or wedge block 25. The movement of the wedge block 25 results in a closing-in of the clamping block 17. thus frictionally binding the flanges 34. 37. of the springs. and at the same time causing the portions of the springs that extend radially outwardly from the hub and immediately adjacent said hub to be bound together. so that the whole forms a very compact and solid structure. Thus. by this arrangement the portion of each spring running circumferentially on the periphery of the member 8 is gripped vise-like between such member and the clamping block. and simultaneously the radial portion of each spring is paired with a similar portion of its adjacent companion and both are tightly sandwiched between the side 'alls of a pair of clamping blocks.

At their outer ends. the springs are fashioned so as to terminate in hook-like flanges that overlap one another in the manner indicated by Fig. 1. That is to say, the spring 32 enters a socket provided by the rim of the wheel at an angle of about 30 and. after extending thereinto a short distance, it is bent backwardly so as to again emerge at about the same angle. forming a short projecting flap or clip 40. The other spring member is similarly formed and provides a clip 41. arranged on the inside of the spring 32. These clips 40 and 41 serve the purpose of reinforcing the springs at the points of most abrupt flexure and thereby minimize breakage or crystallization.

The means instrumental in attaching the springs to the rim may embody many of the structural cluiracteristics disclosed by the lmb construction. Thus. a block 4'2, shown in perspective in Fig. i, has its ef fective clamping surface 43 closely conforming to the contour of contacting surface of the spring member. and the edges of such block. along which the springs leave contact or depart therefrom, are rounded so as to avoid any sharp edge tending to render more abrupt the unavoidable normal flexing angle of the springs at the point of attachment to the rim. The ends of the blocks l3 are provided with inclined faces H. so that such blocks may be urged radially against the rim by means of the side clips or wedge blocks. shown by Figs. 3 and 5 respectively. The clip 45. shown by Fig. 3 is preferably constructed ill a manner somewhat analogous to clip 25. shown by Fig. 8. As mounted, however. it is normally non-demouutable from the rim and is ietained on the inside face of said rim. This clip preferably provides a souare hole to through which a bolt 41' passes: which bolt emerges from the other or lnore accessible side of the rim. The threaded end of the bolt then passes through an aperture l in the clip 4! shown by Fig. 3. which is detachably held in place by means of a suitable nut. as indicated by 50. Fig. l. lly drawing up the clip 49 by means of said nut. the inclined face 51 thereof will be engaged with the inclined face ll of the clamping bolt 42. to force the same radially by a wedge-like action. and thus bind the springs securely in place. Preferably, the wedge surfaces 51 and H are given an interlocking construction. as shown. or such as that used in connection with the hub members, to prevent any slight lack of alinement.

It will thus be seen that this invention is one noteworthy for its simplicity. while yet eminently capable of achieving the ob jects and ends herein outlined. Taken as a whole. the construction is very durable. and although the wheel is quite composite in structure. it is nevertheless essentially unitar' as measured by its capacity.

I therefore claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the l nited States:

1. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub: a rim providing at its inner periphery an equispaced series of shallow recesses extending tranversely to the plane of the wheel: a series of petalshaped spokes extending radially from the hub and terminating in overlapping extremities arranged in said recesses: each spoke consisting of two s \'mmetrically related flat leaf-springs. the outer one having its rimend turned reversely in conformity with said recess and snugly seated therein. and the inner one having its rim-end similarly turned and intertitting within the other. the ends of each of said springs terminating a short distance in ardly from the inner periphery of the rim: a clamping-plate extending transversely to the plane of the wheel within the inturned ends of said springs and having its contacting face conformed to the adjacent spring and having both its ends beveled outwardly. a member having a reversely beveled flange overhanging a short-distance within the crotch of said springs adapted to engage the beveled adjacent end of said plate, a clip mounted on said rim and adapted to translate toward the end of said plate to engage the same and wedge it radially outward against one of the springs to clamp the same in said recess, and a screw-threaded member coacting with said rim adapted to force said clip in the clamping direction.

2. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub; a rim providing at its inner periphery an equispaced series of shallow recesses extendingtransversely to the plane of the wheel; a series of petal-shaped spokes extending radially from the hub and terminating in said recesses; a clampingplate extending transversely to the plane of the wheel within the crotch of said spokes and having its contacting face conformed to the adjacent spring surface and having both its ends beveled outwardly, a member having a reversely beveled flange overhang ing a short distance within the crotch of said springs adapted to engage the beveled adjacent end of said plate; a clip mounted on said rim adapted to translate toward the end of said plate to engage the same and wedge it radially outward againstone of the springs to clamp the same in said recess: and a screw threaded member projecting laterally from said rim adapted to force said clip in its clamping direction.

3. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub; a rim providing at its inner periphery an equispaced series of spring-seating surfaces; a series of petalshaped spokes extending radially from the hub and terminating at said seating surfaces; a clamping-plate extending transversely to the plane of the wheel within the crotch of each of said spokes and having its contacting face conformed to the adjacent spring surface and having both its ends beveled outwardly. a plurality of members spaced apart at the periphery of the rim, each having a reversely beveled flange overhanging a short distance within the crotch of its associated spoke adapted to engage the beveled adjacent end of the clamping plate thereof: a plurality of clips spaced on said rim and each independently detachable and adapted to translate toward the end of its associated plate to engage the same and wedge it radially outward against its associated spoke to clamp the same in its seat; and a screw threaded member coacting with said rim adapted to force said clip in its clamping direction.

4. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub; a rim providing at its inner periphery an equispaced series of springseating surfaces; a series of petal-shaped spring spokes extending radially from the hub and terminating at said seating surfaces; a series of separate clamping plates extending transversely to the plane of the wheel and one within the crotch of each of said spokes and having its contacting face conformed to the adjacent spoke surface and having an end beveled outwardly, a plurality of members, one of said members being adapted to engage the adjacent end of said plate, and a plurality of-clips mounted on said rim, one of said clips being adapted to translate toward the other end of said plate to engage the same and wedge it radially outward against the crotch of one of said spokes to clamp the same against its seating surface. and a screw threaded member coacting with said rim adapted to force said clip in its clamping direction.

A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub; a rim providing at its inner periphery an equispaced series of spring-seating surfaces; a series of petalshaped spring spokes extending radially from the hub and terminating at said seating surfaces: a series of separate clamping-plates extending transversely to the plane of the wheel and one within the crotch of each of said spokes and having its contacting face curved in conformity with the adjacent spring surface and having its ends terminating at the side periphery of the rim; a structural part rigid with the inner side periphery of the rim adapted for engaging the inner end of said clamping plate; and a series of members one mounted on the outer side periphery of the rim for detachably engaging the outer end of said plates. whereby it may be wedged radially outward to clamp its associated spoke portion.

6. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a rim; a hub-member having its periphery extending uninterruptedly to the outer end-face of said member and having an integral annular flange rising adjacent its inner end face and providing an equispaced series of under-beveled lips extending a short distance over and above the periphery of said hub. said flange also providing radial recesses in its edge between said lips: a pair of fiat leaf springs arranged back-to-back having their inner radial edges seated in one of said flange-recesses, each having an inturned foot-like portion extending in opposite directions along said periphery and to a point adjacent the center of the overhanging lip. said back-to-back springs progressivelv diverging from each other beyond the hub and attached each to the rim at a point radially opposite its adjacent lip; an individual clamping plate seating directly on each pair of adjacent inturned spring portions. and having a beveled inner end having a wedge-like engagement with said flange and having a beveled outer end terminating near the outer end-face of the huh-member; an individually detachable clip adjustable on said hubmember parallel with the axis thereof. and having an under-beveled lip overhanging the outer end of said clamping plate and having a sector-like body portion apertured and disposed at the outer end-face of the hub-member and having its radial edges in close proximity with those of the adjacent clips: and a screw-threaded element operatively secured to said hub-member through said aperture and adapted to enable its clip and associated clamping plate to be individually removed without disturbing the mounting of springs held by other clampin plates.

A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed colnbining a rim: a hub-member having an integral annular flange rising adjacent itsinner end face and providing an equispaced series of under-beveled lips extending a short distance overand above the periphery of said hub. said flange also providing radial recesses in its edge between said lips. a pair of flat leaf springs arranged back-to-back having their inner radial edges seated in one of said flange-recesses. each having an inturned foot-like portion extending in opposite directions along said periphery. said back-to-back springs progressively diverging from each other beyond the hub and attached each to the rim: an individual clamping plate seating directly on each pair of adjacent inturned spring portions. and having a beveled inner end having a wedge-like engagement with said flange and having a beveled outer end terminating near the outer end-face of the hubmember: an individually detachable clip adjustable on said hub-member parallel with the axis thereof and having an underbeveled lip overhanging the outer end of said clamping plate disposed at the outer end-face of the hub member: and means operatively secured to said hub-member adapted to enable its clip and associated clamping plate to be individually removed without disturbing the lnounting of springs held by other clamping plates.

8. A resilient member of the nature disclosed combining a rim: a hub-member having an integral annular flange rising adjacent its inner end-face and providing an equispaced series of under-beveled lips extending a short distance over and above the periphery of said hub. said flange also providing radial recesses in its edge between said lips. a pair of flat leaf springs arranged lmck-toback having their inner radial edges seated in one of said flange recesses. each having an inturned foot-like portion extending in opposite directions along said periphery: said back-to-back springs progressively diverging from each other beyond the hub and attached each to the rim at a point radially opposite its adjacent lip: an individual clamping plate seating directly on each pair of adjacent inturned spring portions. and having a beveled inner end having a wedge-like engagement with said flange and having a beveled outer end terminating near the outer end-face of the hubmember: a membe' adjustable on said hub member parallel with the axis thereof and having an under-beveled lip overhanging the outer end of said clamping plate. and means for exerting pressure on said member to hold it in operative relation with said clamping plate.

9. A resilient wheel of the nature dis closed combining a rim: a hub-member having its periphery extending uninterruptedly to the outer end-face of said member and having an integral annular flange rising from the inner end-face and providing an inider-beveled surface for engaging clamping plates and extending a short distance over and above the peripheral margin of said hub. Said flange also providing a series of spaced recesses in its edge: a pair of flat leaf springs arranged lmck-to-back and having their edges seated in the said flangerecesses. each having an inturned foot-like portion extending in opposite directions along Said periphery. said lnu-l -toback springs progressively diverging from each other and attached to the rim at points radially between each pair of notches: an individual clamping-plate having beveled ends exerting pressure on the inturned spring portions. the inner end of each plate having a wedge-like engagement with said flange. and having its outer end terminating near the outer end-face of the hub-member: a member adjustable on said hub-member parallel with the axis thereof and having an under-beveled surface overhanging the outer end of said clamping-plate: and means for forcing said member in its clamping direction.

10. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a rim: a hub-member having an integral annular flange rising from the inner end-face and providing an underbeveled surface for engaging clamping plates extending a short distance above the peripheral margin of said hub. said flange also providing a series of spaced recesses in its edge. a pair of flat leaf springs arranged back-to-back and having their inner edges seated in the said flange-recesses. each having an inturned footJilte portion extending in opposite directions along said periphery: said back-to-back springs progressively diverging from each other and attached to the rim at points radially between each pair of notches: an individual clamping-plate having beveled ends exerting pressure on the inturned spring portions. the inner end of each plate havin a wedge-like engagement with said flange, and having its outer end terminating near the outer end-face of the hub-member; and means also providing spaced recesses for the outer edges of the springs and adjustable on said hub-member parallel with the axis thereof and having an under-beveled surface overhanging the outer end of said clamping-plate; and means for forcing said member in its clamping direction.

11. A resilient Wheel of the nature disclosed combining a rim; a hub-member having its periphery extending uninterruptedly to the outer end-face of said member and having an integral annular flange rising from the inner end-face and providing an under-beveled surface for engaging clamping plates and extending a short distance over and above the peripheral margin of said hub; a series of spaced pairs of flat leaf springs, the springs of each pair arranged back-to-back each spring having an inturned foot-like portion extending in opposite directions along said periphery; said back-to-back springs progressively diverging from each other and attached to the rim: an individual clamping-plate having beveled-ends exerting pressure on the inturned spring portions. the inner end of each plate having a wedge-like engagement with said flange, and having its outer end terminating near the outer end-face of the hub-member; and means providing spaced recesses for receiving the outer radial edges of said springs, and adjustable on said hubmember parallel with the axis thereof and having an under-beveled surface overhanging the outer end of said clamping-plate; and means for forcing said member in its clamping. direction.

12. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a rim; a hub-member having its periphery extending uninterruptedly to the outer end-face of said member and having an integral annular under-beveled flange rising adjacent its inner endface; a circumferentially equispaced series of pairs of flat leaf springs, each pair arranged radially b-ack-to-back, and each spring of each pair having an inturned foot-like portion extending in opposite directions along said periphery; said back-toback springs progressively diverging from each other beyond the hub and attached each to the rim at Widely separated points; an individual clamping plate having beveled-ends, the inner end of each plate having a wedge-like engagement With said flange and having its outer end terminating near the outer end-face of the hub-member; an individually detachable clip adjustable on said hub-member parallel With the axis thereof and having an under-beveled lip overhanging the outer end of said clamping plate and having its body-portion apertured and disposed at the outer end-face of the hub-member and having radial edges; and a screw-threaded element operatively secured to said hub-member through said aperture and adapted to enable its clip and associated clamping plate to be individually removed without disturbing the mounting of springs not held by said clanipingplate.

13. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a rim: a hub-member having its periphery extending uninterruptedly to the-outer end-face of said member and having an integral annular under-beveled flange rising adjacent its inner end-face; a circumferentially equispaced series of pairs of flat leaf springs, each pair arranged radially back-to-back, and each spring of each pair hav'ingan inturned foot-like portion extending in opposite directions along said periphery; said back-to-back springs progressively diverging from each other beyond the hub and attached each to the rim at widely separated 1 )ints; an individual clamping plate having beveled-ends, the inner end of each plat having a Wedge-like engagement with said flange and having its outer end terminating near the outer endface of the hub-member; an individually detachable clip adjustable on said hub-member parallel with the axis thereof and having an under-beveled lip overhanging the outer end of said clamping plate and disposed at the outer end-face of the hub-member: and a screw-threaded element operatively secured to said hub-member and adapted to enable its clip and associated clamping-plate to be individually removed without disturbing the mounting of springs not held by said clamping plate.

14. A resilient Wheel of the nature disclosed combining a rim; a hub-member having its periphery extending uninterruptedly to the-outer end-face of said member and having an integral annular under-beveled flange rising adjacent its inner end-face; a circumferentially equispaced series of pairs of flat leaf springs, each pair arranged radially back-to-back and each spring of each pair having an inturned foot-like portion extending in opposite directions along said periphery; said backto-back springs progressively diverging from each other be- Vond the hub and attached each to the rim at widely separated points; an individual clamping plate having beveled-ends, the inner end of each plate having a wedge-like engagement with said flange and having its outer end terminating near the outer endface of the hub-member; an individually detachable clip-adjustable on said hub-member parallel with the axis thereof and having an under-beveled lip overhanging the outer end of said clamping plate and disposed at the outer end-face of the hub-meniber; and means operatively secured to said hub-member and adapted to enable its clip and associated clamping-plate to be individually removed without disturbing the mounting of springs not held by said clamp ing-plate.

15. A wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub. a rim. provided with a shallow socket in its inner periphery, a petalshaped spring spoke radiating from the hub and terminating in said socket. said spoke consisting of two reversely arranged flat springs. each radiating from said hub initially along radius lines. and each curving toward said socket and terminating therein in hook-shaped ends interfitting one another. a member rigidly secured to the rim at one end of its socket. a clamping block in the crotch of said two springs and en gaged at one end by said member. and means movable transversely to the plane of the wheel for forcing said clamping block radially toward said rim to clamp said springs into said socket.

16. A wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub. a rim. provided with a shallow socket in its inner periphery. a petalshaped spring spoke radiating from the hub and terminating in said socket, said spoke consisting of two flat springs. each tapered from said hub along the radius lines. and each curving toward said socket. and terminating therein. in hook-shaped ends in terfitting one another. a member rigidly secured to the rim at one end of its socket. a clamping block engaged by said member. and means movable transversely tothe plane of the wheel for forcing said clamping block in radial direction to clamp said springs into said socket.

17. A wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub member having a peripheral series of wedge-shaped projections, the two side walls of each being parallel. a clamping block having a wedge-shaped recess with parallel side walls adapted to interfit with said projections. the side walls of said clamping block converging toward the axis of said hub member. and means for engaging the opposite end of said clamping block.

18. A wheel of the nature disclosed combininga hub member havinga peripheral series of wedge-shaped projections. the two side walls of each'being parallel. a clamping block having a wedge-shaped recess with parallel side walls adapted to interfit with said projections. the side walls of said clamping block converging toward the axis of said hub member. and a detachable wedge block having a sector-shaped face portion and a wedge-shaped lip projecting therefrom having parallel side walls adapted to engage a counter-fitting recess in the end of said clamping block.

19. A wheel of the nature disclosed. combining a member having a spring seating pcriphery. a wedge-shaped flange overhanging said periphery. a spring clamping block having beveled ends. a detachable member having an overhanging wedge shaped lip, and means for irterlocking the wedge surfaces of said overhanging lips to the wedge surfaces of said clamping block. to prevent relative lateral movements between said members.

20. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining an annular hub having at one end an annular flange providing an under-beveled surface. and having an aperture in its side wall. a bolt passing through said aperture parallel with the axis of said hub. said hub providing a spring-seating surface arranged at a less radial distance from its axis than said bolt. a flat spring arranged edgewise to the plane of the wheel and having an inturned foot-like portion seated on said surface. a clamping-block having beveled ends and engaged at one end by said hub flange. and a clip adapted by pressure derived from said bolt to be urged to engage the other end of said clampingplate and retain said spring by means of its foot-like portion.

21. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub member having at one end an uprising annular flange having an aperture in its side wall and providing an under-beveled surface. a bolt extending par allel with the axis and secured to said hub member through said aperture. a springseating peripheral surface being provided at a less radial distance from the axis than said bolt. a flat spring having an inturned footlike extension seated on said peripheral surface. a clamping-plate overlying said footlike portion and having one end engaged by said flange. and means for engaging the other end of said clamping-plate and adapted to clamp the same by pressures derived from said bolt.

22. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub-member providing an external periphery and a flange at one end uprising beyond said periphery and providing an under-beveled surface. a bolt extending parallel with the axis of said hub radially more remote from the axle than the said periphery of said hub. a flat spring having an inturned foot-like portion seated on said periphery. a clan'iping-plate engaged at one end by said flange and overlying said foot-like portion. and a clip retained by said bolt adapted to bear against the other end of said clamping plate to retain the same in clamping relation with said spring.

23. A wheel of the nature disclosed combining a felly: a pluralitv of sheet-metal spoke-elements assembled to form a series of loop-like spokes: a l1lll)ll'l(ll'll)('l providing a flange-like portion rigid therewith an having a series of peripherally space notches extending radially and adapted to receive radial portions of the spoke elements; a member 19 coacting With pairs of adjacent spoke elements adapted when urged toward said flange-like portion to wedge said elements radially inward toward said hub-member: and means for retaining said member in any predetermined adjusted relation with said hub-member.

24. A spring-wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub. a telly, and springspokes secured thereto, each made up of two portions. said hub comprising a body portion and a plate carrying on its face a series of blocks equal in number to the spokes around the hub circumference and having radial sides. the adjacent blocks being separated a distance equal to twice the thickness of the material of the spokes and each spoke having the ends of its two portions bent at such an angle to each other and so separated as to fit against opposite sides of a block; and means cooperating with the outer ends of said blocks adapted to press the same firmly against said plate and also offering obstructions to the side edges of said spokes to restrain the same against lateral play.

25. A spring-wheel of the nature disclosed combining a felly; two-part spring so spokes secured thereto: a hub comprising a body portion and a plate: a series of blocks having radial sides. one for each two-part spoke and spaced apart circumferentially of said hub a distance not less than twice the 35 thickness of the material of the spokes. each spoke having the ends of its two portions bent at such an angle to each other and so separated as to fit against opposite sides of a block; series of bolts secured to said plate -0 each extending in an axial direction through one of said blocks; and means cooperating with the exposed ends of said bolts for retaining said blocks against removal from said plate.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand.

JOHN E. STRIETELMEIER.

\Vitnesses OLIVER B. KAISER. EMMA SPEXER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0. 

